Yoga-Meditations

A multilayered defense mechanism and structure that continuously battles millions of microbes, toxins, bacteria, viruses and parasites vying to invade our body is called immune system – rightly called synonym to good health. Every year in US, around 66 million people are afflicted with common cold hence fully functioning immune system, which can be strengthened by practicing yoga regardless of style, is really crucial to well being and for fostering good health. Basic yoga practices not only bolster an immune system but also optimize its functionality. The efficiency of immune system can have both positive and negative effect based on various factors. Some causes of weakened immune system which may result into a range of symptoms such from pneumonia to common cold are poor diet, excess alcohol intake, stress, lack of exercise, toxic food and environment etc.

Yoga impacts the immune system positively and one of the way in which it does this is by improving circulation and oxygen flow which aids in transferring energy from nutrients to cells. Yoga also improves mobility of lungs, flow of sinuses, flushes out mucous from the lungs and supports the thymus glands. It rejuvenates internal organs, relaxes nervous system and boosts immune response too. The thymus gland, which is the locus of the immune system is situated between the heart and the breastbone and produces T-cells which are heterogeneous group of cells needed to protect the body against invasions by foreign organisms. A yoga posture like pigeon, cobra, bridge, boat, fish and bow that focuses on deep-breathing, upper back bends and chest opening stimulate the thymus and hence strengthens the immune system.

The lymph, a fluid that drains and filters inter-cell fluid to remove bacteria is not pumped through the body like blood but depends on contractions and movements of skeletal muscles for its movement. It is responsible in transportation of food, oxygen and water to the cells and also absorbs and carries away waste products. Yoga practices such as head-stand, shoulder stand, legs up the wall and plow pose improves the flow of immune cells and lymph through the body by enhancing the passive circulation of lymph system. Spleen performs vital functions such as fighting infection and removing unwanted particles from blood. Twisting poses in Yoga like prayer twist, seated twist and other hip openers like seated angle, pigeon and bound angle activate the secondary organs like spleen and lymph nodes of the immune system. Regular yoga practice also improves oxygen flow and circulation which provides better ammunition to the immune system for fighting germs. Finally, deep Pranayama, which is deliberate and focused control of the breath as well as relaxed yoga postures relaxes the nervous system and boosts immune response.

Hence we can conclude that by stimulating and massaging the internal organs, reducing stress, balancing nervous system and boosting immune system, yoga plays a vital role in alleviating or preventing the symptoms of a variety of common illnesses such as flu and the colds and viral infections.